With the curtains pulled back I start my day now in relative peace with the backdrop of my wife’s TV blaring too loud through a closed door. And our son “having an episode” because last nights college hoops scores didn’t turn out like he wanted. It’s got me thinking about giving my entire family a lesson in practicing mindfulness. But to a greater extent most people don’t understand the residual effect of their own attitudes and outburst have on others around them. Listen I am by no means immune from having my own outburst. My dear, sweet, loving bride of 37 years, knows exactly what buttons to push, and she’s never been afraid to push it repeatedly. And although I have been guilty of the same crime it doesn’t stop us from preforming our seemingly daily routine.
As I have learned to practice mindfulness training with my mental and physical health issues. We all seem to be hardwired to give each other grief. Rather it’s the eyeroll we give the old lady ahead of us at the grocery store checkout. Or the impatience we show at the contractor filling up his duel tanks at the gas station. We all share in the blame for our impatience and shitty attitudes towards others. It’s time we learn to put the shoe on the other foot and realize we are all in the same boat here. In this even faster 24/7 world in which we live, there are forces that wish nothing more than to distract us. Pulling us away from the real truth that life doesn’t require the latest gadget or luxury. That life itself usually brings the greatest joy…like a beautiful sunrise.